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- Machida vs Kyoto: Additional time in the second half, Machida Mochizuki (left edge) clears the game with a header (photographed by Eguchi Kazuki)
FC Machida Zelvia defeated Kyoto Sanga 1-0, moving forward to the final eight for the first time.
Right wingback Mochizuki Henry Kaiki (23) ran both offensive and defensively, and showed his presence. He also performed well for the Japanese national team at the East Asia E-1 Championships, and showed off his momentum in Machida.
He takes a high position and thrusts vertically with overwhelming running ability. However, he has grown remarkably, changing his plays and responding according to the opponent's situation.
In the 14th minute of the second half, he remained in the center position and sent a through pass with a skillful touch of ball. This production gave Fujio's winning goal.
In the final stages of 1-0, the opponent's corner kick hit a decisive heading shot, but he cleared it with his head on the line. He contributed greatly to the victory.
Manager Kuroda praised him, “His growth is truly remarkable. Having experienced the national team, he is practicing hard while realizing his responsibility. Today, he is also involved in scoring and keeps the ball firmly in place. I also get the impression that his physical abilities and play is not typical.” Captain Masako also expressed her hopes, saying, “I've really seen confidence lately. I hope that he will become stronger and stronger and grow.”
Mochizuki, who was a special candidate, said, “There were some lucky parts, but (Fujio) Shota responded.” In the final stages, there was also a big play that kept a goal, but “I think it was the result of doing what was obvious. It was noticeable in the end, but the result led to a good victory, which was great.”
He participated in the Japanese national team and was also given the highest level players, and it seems he has become a bit shaky mentality that he has faced with.
“Until last year, I was able to get a little miserable if I failed, but now I'm able to gain my mentality. I don't really expect much from myself. I do it with the feeling that I'm lucky if I succeed, so it seems like there's nothing I can do if I fail.”
In addition to playing indistinguishable ways based on physical abilities, the mental aspect of controlling them has also grown. Various factors are beginning to come together, and the growth curve as a player is jumping dramatically.
